Hawaii schools may run a two-year student book publishing pilot

Participating schools may run a two-year student book publishing pilot as part of regular classes. The pilot may operate at up to five public elementary schools in Kalihi and up to five in Nanakuli-Waianae, for students in grades four, five, and six. Schools may opt in, and teachers may choose topics about Hawaiian culture, the local community, or a personal story. Each student must write and illustrate an online book; the teacher sets its size and length based on available funds. Each participating teacher must receive a classroom budget. The state’s $50,000 appropriation may be spent only if private sources provide matching funds of at least 25 percent of the appropriated amount. The pilot begins in the 2026–2027 school year and must end by the close of the 2027–2028 school year.

Each participating school’s principal must report on the pilot to the legislature. This duty applies to the principal of each school participating in the pilot. The report must cover how the pilot was carried out, student outcomes, whether continuing or expanding it is feasible, and other findings and recommendations. The report is due no later than 20 days before the 2029 regular legislative session convenes.